Islamic Glass
Past Exhibition
From the ancient to the modern, these two complementary exhibitions each showcase different aspects of the art of Islamic glass.
The exhibition features over one hundred pieces of glass from the Museum of Islamic Art's collection, many of which have never been displayed. It highlights ancient Egyptian, Hellenistic, Roman and Sasanian techniques used by Islamic glassmakers. Short films demonstrating glass blowing and decorative techniques are also available in the attached audiovisual room.
Illuminations: The Mosque Lamp as Iconographic Image
This exhibition features mosque lamps, emphasising their iconographic symbolism in Islamic art. One side of the gallery displays a short history of lamp forms and depictions of traditional medieval-era lamps. On the other side, European revival lamps from the late 19th century and Orientalist imagery explore the lamp as an icon of Islamic art and exoticism, showcasing their perception by collectors and artists up to the present day.